The
once flourishing ancient port was the first and
the greatest metropolis of Asia. At its peak it
had 250,000 inhabitants, was the center of trade
and had the world's first bank. Of all the
ancient cities in Turkey, Ephesus with its 5,000
years of history is the best preserved and most
visited in all ages. Many VIPs of ancient
history like Lydian King Croesus, Alexander the
Great, St. Paul, St. John, Virgin Mary walked on
the marble paved streets of this magnificent
city. To fulfill his pledge to Jesus, St. John
brought Madonna here to protect her. Virgin
Mary's house is an important pilgrimage
destination and had Papa visits in the recent
years.